David Haye Plans Return, Targets Deontay Wilder Shot

By Edward Chaykovsky

Former two-division world champion David Haye (26-2, 24KOs) has been out of the ring since knocking out Dereck Chisora in five rounds in July of 2012. Due to various injuries, he withdrew from two scheduled dates to face Tyson Fury.

Haye informed talkSPORT that he intends to return to the ring in 2015. He wants to have a few contests against ranked contenders and then intends to challenge WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (33-0, 32KOs). While preparing for the canceled fight with Fury, Haye used Wilder as a sparring partner.

If he's able to secure a fight with Wilder, and win, he then wants to get a rematch with unified king Wladimir Klitschko - who easily decisioned Haye in 2011.

"I’ve had a few injuries over the last couple of years but I believe I’m out of that now, so I’ll definitely be fighting this year, for sure. I’ve never taken any big punishment, I’ve never been battered in the ring and I’ve never been knocked clean out in my life. The only fight I got stopped in was when my corner threw the towel in, but they didn’t realise I was only out of breath! I believe vie got a lot left to give. I’m got a bit of unfinished business," Haye said.

“In an ideal world I think the most exciting route would be to work my way up the WBC rankings, having two or three fights against ranked fighters and then get a shot at Deontay Wilder for his WBC title. It’s a matter of winning that to go for the unification fight against Wladimir and try and bring all the belts together. I think that would be a realistic plan, one I believe I can fulfil and achieve. It’s exciting times for me, I’m looking forward to it.”